CHAPTER 674: WARNING, OUTSIDER, QINGYU

Looking at the text on the system light screen, an inexplicable emotion surged within Tang Song's heart.

The memories he currently possessed happened to end precisely at the close of 2018.

It was just after Christmas had ended.

He clearly remembered the final look in Su Yu's eyes on the night of her birthday that year.

It was a kind of nearly humble, painful, heart-dead-ash gaze.

It could be said that Su Yu's transformation into today's obsessive, even somewhat deranged, personality was purely "PUA-ed" into existence by that [Dream Tang Song].

A perfectly good superstar in her prime was forcibly molded into an insecure, obsessive yandere.

This interactive task could be considered a chance to make amends.

"I'm hanging up! I'm going to participate right away! And the fan group! I need to notify them too! Organize everyone to repost together!"

Qiuqiu, who was sitting on his lap, had now completely forgotten her shyness, forgotten that she was still intimately seated on Tang Song's leg.

Her entire being was immersed in a fan-specific state of fervor.

Then, she immediately excitedly opened the Weibo app.

For a die-hard "Yu Fan" like her, this was simply the ultimate dream falling from the sky.

Su Yu was not just her idol;

she was the faith and light that supported her through those gloomy years of the past.

Especially during the most difficult days after her grandmother passed away.

If it weren't for listening to Su Yu's songs every day and watching her inspirational story of reaching the summit step by step against adversity, she might have truly fallen into depression.

Of course, her world now had an additional light source named "Tang Song."

Tang Song turned off the system light screen and also leaned in to look.

He immediately saw the latest post pinned at the very top of the homepage.

[Su Yu: This year's birthday, I want to spend it with you.

Thank you for your long-term support and companionship. This Christmas, which is also my birthday, I will select from among all my fans...

Participation method: Please go to the pinned event page on the official Su Yu fan support club forum, fill in your personal information, and submit your application. All fans can participate. Looking forward to meeting you.] 𝘙𝘢ℕօ𐌱Εs

Qiuqiu looked at this post, her entire body trembling slightly with excitement.

Feeling Qiuqiu's excitement and immersion,

and looking at her face which somewhat resembled Su Yu's, Tang Song couldn't resist pinching Qiuqiu.

It had to be said, Qiuqiu's figure was truly excellent.

A standard "manga body" – slender waist, long legs, perky butt, large bust – every part was just right, with a first-rate feel.

Especially since she frequently practiced yoga, giving her excellent body flexibility.

Although she didn't have the exaggerated hourglass curves of someone like Wen Ruan, she excelled in ultimate symmetry and harmony.

After his hands-on assessment earlier, he could confirm that the nickname "Little Su Yu" was well-deserved.

Much more authentic than Yanqing, who was hailed as the "Little Su Yu of the coser world."

"Why can't I submit? No response!" Qiuqiu on his lap muttered anxiously to herself, repeatedly poking her phone screen.

Tang Song glanced at it and explained, "It's because of instantaneous excessive traffic, triggering the server's overload protection. Don't worry, the event will last for half a month anyway. Wait until the heat dies down a bit."

Given Su Yu's current popularity and the special significance of this event, it was enough to set off a phenomenon-level frenzy across the entire internet.

After all, Su Yu had always maintained her distance from fans and had never held such a private interactive event before.

"Alright, I'll just have to participate later then." Qiuqiu put down her phone, only then belatedly realizing the extremely intimate sitting position between them.

And Tang Song's warm body beneath her.

She let out a small gasp, her cheeks instantly turning red, and subconsciously tried to stand up from his lap.

However, Tang Song held her firmly in place.

"What's wrong? Qiuqiu." Tang Song looked at her with a smiling expression.

Qiuqiu's cheeks were flushed with shyness as she whispered, "I... my mom might be back soon..."

Tang Song kissed her rosy cheek and asked in a gentle tone, "Regarding this level of closeness today, can you accept it? You won't... feel repulsed, will you?"

After all, Qiuqiu had the underlying issue of "frigidity," a sequela of her childhood trauma.

So, he still hoped to proceed gradually and respect her feelings.

Qiuqiu didn't dare to look him in the eye. After a moment of silence, she gently shook her head.

Tang Song nudged Qiuqiu, looked at her and pressed, "What does that mean? You don't like it? Or you don't mind it?"

Qiuqiu gasped softly, bit her lower lip, and then replied in a faint voice, "No... I don't mind it. I don't mind it."

Actually, she hadn't minded it for a while, but due to Senior Sister Gao Mengting, she hadn't dared to have too many cross-boundary contacts with Tang Song.

But now she knew that Tang Song himself had several girlfriends.

Then... her actions probably couldn't be considered betraying Senior Sister anymore, right?

Of course, the most important thing was Tang Song's "divine intervention" today.

To her, it was like a hero riding on colorful clouds, saving her and her mother from the abyss of despair.

The long-suppressed love in her heart had already surged like boiling magma, no longer able to be restrained.

Right at that moment.

"Click—"

The sound of a key turning came from the door.

Hearing the noise, Qiuqiu, who was still in Tang Song's arms, immediately sprang up from his lap.

She stood flustered to the side, lowering her head to straighten her slightly disheveled clothes.

Immediately after, the door opened.

Li Meihua returned, carrying several shopping bags filled with fresh vegetables.

"Auntie, you're back." Tang Song stood up with a smile, his face showing no abnormality whatsoever.

As if nothing had just happened.

Li Meihua smiled warmly, "Oh my, sorry to keep you waiting. I ran into an acquaintance on the way, and they insisted on dragging me into a long chat. I couldn't get away for the longest time!"

"It's fine, Auntie. We just finished talking too."

Li Meihua placed the shopping bags on the floor and said while changing her shoes, "You two carry on, I'll go start cooking. Tang Song, what would you like to eat? Tell Auntie, I'll make it for you!"

"Auntie, I'll eat whatever you make. Your signature dishes will be fine."

"Alright then!" Li Meihua tied on her apron and bustled energetically towards the kitchen.

Qiuqiu glanced at him and whispered, "I... I'll go help my mom a bit, it'll be faster. You sit for a while first."

After saying that, she also followed like a startled fawn into the kitchen.

Watching her flustered retreating figure, Tang Song couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Then, he sat back down on the sofa and picked up his phone.

He opened Weibo and entered Su Yu's latest post.

First, he clicked the repost button.

Then, after a moment of thought, he typed a comment: "Supporting my favorite female star, hoping to become that lucky 'male koi'." @Su Yu.

After doing all this, he put away his phone with satisfaction and leaned back comfortably on the sofa.

Listening to the sounds of life-filled conversation and the clatter of pots and pans coming from the kitchen, a warm curve lifted the corner of his mouth.

He could feel that Qiuqiu was slowly opening up her heart.

Moreover, her interaction with her mother seemed to be showing signs of thawing within this daily life filled with the warmth of human connection.

Perhaps she was truly too deprived of love.

Like a flower growing in a dark corner that had never seen sunlight.

It only needed a little warmth and kindness to strive desperately, desperately, towards the light, blooming into its most beautiful form.

And by giving her care, showing kindness, rescuing her from the quagmire of the past, he would eventually reap her bloom.

Tang Song discovered that he also derived a profound sense of satisfaction from this process.

Perhaps this was the true meaning of the [Dream Flower Seed] item.

......

France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Tangjin Estate.

The afternoon sun spilled across the vast lawn and rolling grapevines, dyeing the entire world in a warm, lazy golden hue.

A crisp, rhythmic sound of hoofbeats drifted through the air.

Secretary Jin, dressed in a custom-tailored white equestrian outfit, was riding a jet-black, glossy Andalusian horse.

She was performing show jumping training on the estate's private track.

Her back was ramrod straight, her waistline slender, her posture impeccably elegant, seeming to merge into one with the magnificent purebred beneath her.

Under the sunlight, her exquisitely beautiful face was flushed with a healthy glow from exercise. Sweat dampened her temples, adding a vibrant, heroic aura full of vitality.

After the training ended, she dismounted with a swift, graceful flip.

A groom who had been waiting nearby immediately stepped forward respectfully and took the reins of the still-panting steed.

Secretary Jin, wiping her sweat with a towel, walked into the lounge beside the track.

Immediately after, a loud whistle sounded, and a sexy, hot figure pounced over, hugging her affectionately.

"Seriously, Mira. Watching you ride is more thrilling than watching the Olympics. You're simply breathtaking."

Anne Kate wore only a black sports bra and high-waisted leggings. Her muscle lines were smooth and taut, her whole body exuding a wild, confident heat, brimming with scorching hormonal aura.

"Darling, I was riding a horse, not wrestling with you. Please maintain a safe social distance befitting nobility."

Secretary Jin gently extricated herself from Anne's grasp, walked to the bar counter, and poured herself a glass of iced soda water, adding a few slices of fresh lemon.

She took small sips while admiring the oil-painting-like pastoral scenery outside the window.

[Tangjin Estate] had just been officially put into use.

This was also her first time fully appreciating its scenery.

Anne, however, persistently leaned over, poured herself a glass of the estate's deep crimson, blood-red homemade red wine, and said in an exaggerated tone, "I swear to God, Mira, this place is simply heaven. A private airport terminal, a top-tier equestrian track, and this damned, richer-than-Bordeaux-First-Growth estate homemade red wine! I'm in love with this place!"

Then, she began showering it with endless praise.

Secretary Jin listened with a smile, only occasionally responding with a word or two.

After a moment, Anne suddenly let out a "Whoop!" and turned her phone screen towards Secretary Jin, a teasing smile on her face:

"Hey! Look at this! That female star is publicly challenging you in front of everyone."

Secretary Jin was momentarily stunned. She put down her glass, her gaze sweeping over Anne's phone.

Immediately, she saw the screenshot Su Yu had sent to the WeChat group!

It was the Weibo post that Tang Song had just reposted and commented on regarding Su Yu's "birthday giveaway" event.

Su Yu had specifically used a red marker to circle the words "favorite" in Tang Song's comment.

Making them appear particularly glaring.

Secretary Jin's fingertips paused almost imperceptibly, a chill rising in her eyes.

Anne fanned the flames from the side, "Do you want me to give her a little warning? Let her know who the real lady of this house is?"

"No need." Jin Meixiao's voice remained calm, yet carried an authoritative tone that brooked no argument. "I have my own plans. Don't cause trouble."

"OK, OK." Anne shrugged, sounding somewhat bored. "I really don't understand why you're wasting so much energy on her. Seriously, Mira, given your status, she's nothing to you."

Secretary Jin elegantly took a sip of her soda water but did not answer. However, the light in her eyes deepened.

She did indeed place an excessive amount of importance on Su Yu.

But there were extremely complex and realistic reasons behind this.

From her personal emotional perspective, putting aside the long-existing "Bai Yueguang" Liu Qingning,

Su Yu was the only person who had truly, in a meaningful sense, "stolen Tang Song away."

During the two years of 2017-2018, Tang Song poured massive amounts of emotion, time, and resources into Su Yu.

He wrote songs for her, scripts for her, planned concerts for her, acquired companies for her, gifted her shares and luxury residences...

He even went so far as to "neglect his proper business," diverting energy that should have been used for strategic planning in technology, finance, and industry into Su Yu's star-building project.

She still remembered Tang Song once saying to her, with an infatuated look in his eyes, that Su Yu was "the most perfect female star of his ideals."

She was indeed jealous of Su Yu.

Moreover, Su Yu possessed her own career domain, fan base, and public opinion influence.

She was a true "femme fatale."

And also an unstable factor of "high risk, high emotionality."

Of course, there was another very important point—

Ouyang Xianyue.

That "widow" from a top-tier powerful family was repeatedly attempting to draw Su Yu into the core trust of the Tangjin Family Office.

Jin Meixiao had never underestimated Ouyang Xianyue.

Her methods, abilities, and temperament were all top-tier.

She not only possessed the profound, inscrutable background of her own family but, with the expansion of [Tang Yi Precision], had completely taken control of the vast family power left by her deceased husband, Lin Qiming.

And the predecessor of [Tang Yi Precision]—Xin Kaihang—was the former business of her husband Lin Qiming's family.

It was only after inheriting Lin Qiming's dying wish that she began taking over and managing Xin Kaihang.

Today's [Tang Yi Precision] was no longer an ordinary precision instrument company. Its industrial footprint spanned the globe;

it was one of the world's largest consumer electronics supply chain giants, even possessing its own industrial investment fund.

In terms of comprehensive influence within Huaxia alone, it surpassed [Smile Holdings] in certain aspects.

Furthermore, behind it was entangled a vast political-business network substantial enough to influence national policy.

Who could guarantee that Ouyang Xianyue didn't have other intentions?

Collecting her tumultuous thoughts, Secretary Jin's gaze fell once again on the phone screen.

A moment later, a faint, meaningful smile slowly curved on her face.

She turned and walked out of the lounge with graceful, composed steps.

The two of them crossed the lawn beside the racecourse and took a golf cart to the estate's core main building—"the Residence."

It was a magnificent building full of modernist style, designed personally by a Pritzker Prize winner.

Huge floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls, clean geometric lines perfectly integrated with the surrounding natural landscape.

In front of the building was a mirror-calm infinity pool, reflecting the azure sky and leisurely white clouds of Provence.

This was the reception hub and residential core of the entire estate.

Secretary Jin didn't enter immediately but said to Anne, "Help me take a photo."

"With pleasure." Anne immediately perked up and took the phone Secretary Jin handed her.

Secretary Jin stood on the steps, a bright smile appearing on her beautiful face.

The afternoon sun illuminated her ivory-white equestrian outfit like silk satin, perfectly outlining her body curves.

"Click—"

Anne pressed the shutter, perfectly capturing this image filled with modern power aesthetics and natural scenery.

Jin Meixiao took back the phone, glanced at it, and nodded in satisfaction.

Then, she opened that WeChat group and sent the photo out.

She commented: "Tangjin Estate is now officially operational. All members of the Tangjin Family Office are welcome to come for a vacation anytime."

Now, even Mo Xiangwan had joined the family office's decision-making committee.

And Su Yu was the only person in this group who did not have the qualification to set foot in this estate.

Just then, Anne asked, as if casually, "Mira, could I also have a private residence here? I like this place so much, I'd really love to come often."

Jin Meixiao slowly raised her head. Her clear, spirited eyes held not a trace of laughter as she simply looked at her quietly.

Anne grew somewhat uneasy under her gaze. "Why... why are you looking at me? Did I say something wrong?"

Jin Meixiao stood one step higher on the staircase, looking down at this Western woman from above.

She suddenly reached out and, with her slender fingers, firmly and irresistibly pinched Anne's chin, forcing her to meet her gaze.

"Little Annie, don't think I don't know what's in your heart. I know perfectly well everything you've done with Tang Song. I even know exactly which brand of contraceptive pills you bought."

Anne's pupils constricted sharply. Her face, which usually carried a hint of arrogance and provocation, revealed unconcealed terror.

"Oh, Mira, let me explain..."

Secretary Jin directly cut her off, her gaze icy. "Since you've already made your choice and walked to his side, and I didn't stop you, you should understand what this means. If you dare to entertain any thoughts of betraying him, physically or in terms of interests, I will make you and your father bear consequences you absolutely cannot withstand."

Towards Su Yu, towards Ouyang Xianyue, and even towards the Anne Kate before her,

she did not completely trust them.

They did not share that nearly miraculous, universe-spanning dream link that existed between her and Tang Song.

They were all "outsiders."

.......

Thursday, November 30, 2023, 10~15°C.

6 a.m. early morning.

Rongcheng, Jinli Villa.

Tang Song slowly opened his eyes amidst ultimate tranquility.

The day began beautifully, accompanied by the SMS alert tone of money arriving in his bank account.

Exiting the independent courtyard named "Listening to Bamboo Pavilion," a chill unique to early winter in Rongcheng hit him.

The air carried a faint scent of mixed vegetation and damp soil.

The sky was still dim, with sporadic bird calls echoing in the distance.

He didn't go for a morning run. Instead, dressed in comfortable sportswear, he strolled leisurely through the quaint courtyard.

When the time was about right,

he took out his phone and dialed Liu Qingning's video call.

Immediately afterwards, Bai Yueguang's adorable face, bearing a hint of laziness from just waking up, filled the entire screen.

She seemed to have just gotten up and was kneeling on the soft hotel bed.

She wore a black-and-white color-blocked tracksuit. Her jet-black long hair was casually tied into a playful high ponytail, with a few soft strands of fringe resting on her smooth forehead.

The slightly loose sports top could not conceal her ample, full bust.

"Good morning, baby." Tang Song smiled and blew a kiss at the camera.

Liu Qingning's face turned slightly red. "Good morning."

"I've already arrived in Rongcheng. The climate here is really nice..."

They chatted idly like this, topics ranging from Rongcheng's thin fog to the heavy rain in Shen City;

from last night's sleep to today's breakfast.

Tang Song walked along, turning the camera towards the courtyard's vigorous black pines and frost-covered emerald bamboo, sharing the tranquility of Rongcheng's morning with her.

After Liu Qingning finished her morning exercises, their call ended.

Tang Song returned to his courtyard, took a careful hot shower, and shaved off the youthful stubble that had appeared on his chin.

Then, he changed into a set of dark cashmere suits, freshly pressed by the butler.

Sitting in the study,

he opened the system interface, entered the warehouse, and his gaze fell upon an item emitting a soft, milky-white glow.

[Gleam Spring Teapot]: ...Long-term consumption of water or tea brewed in this pot can nourish the internal organs, clear the heart and lungs, and slowly but continuously improve bodily functions. (This physical item can be gifted.)

[Note: Time flows slowly within the pot;

a single sip returns one to innocence.]

Select item. Use immediately.

Subsequently, a quaint and elegant purple clay teapot appeared in his hand.

The teapot was shaped in the classic "Shi Piao" style, with smooth lines and balanced proportions.

The body exhibited a warm, deep purplish-red color, its surface fine and smooth, devoid of any harshness, as if it had been handled for a hundred years.

It felt warm and smooth to the touch, heavy, exuding an indescribable sense of premium quality.

Tang Song opened the prepared custom wooden box and carefully placed the purple clay teapot inside.

This item was a physical object and could be broken.

Therefore, he hadn't dared to take it out easily, afraid something might happen on the way.

But today, he was about to visit that Academician Ouyang, who was hailed as a "National Treasure."

This item that could "nourish the internal organs, clear the heart and lungs" was finally going to be put to use.

Thinking about meeting that legendary, revered figure, even with Tang Song's current temperament, a trace of trepidation and awe arose in his heart.

He took a deep breath.

Sitting upright at the desk, he turned on the computer, handled a few work emails, and replied to some unread messages.

9:30 a.m.

"Knock, knock, knock—" A knocking sound came from the door.

The private butler entered and said respectfully, "Mr. Tang, Ms. Ouyang has arrived."

Tang Song nodded, stood up, picked up the heavy wooden gift box, and walked out of the courtyard.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw the familiar black Audi A8L and the graceful figure standing there quietly, waiting for him.

Today's Ouyang Xianyue had clearly dressed up meticulously.

She wore a black high-neck cashmere sweater paired with a long fashionable coat. Her sleek, dark medium-length hair was meticulously tied back.

She stood there quietly, in the thin winter fog of Rongcheng, beautiful like a classical painting with profound artistic conception.

Their gazes met in the air.

"Good morning, Ouyang." Tang Song's smile was clear and brilliant, more dazzling than the warm sun at that moment.

Ouyang Xianyue, as if to hide something, subconsciously averted her gaze slightly. "Good morning. Did you sleep well last night?"

"Quite well. I like it here very much."

"That's good. I was afraid you might not be accustomed to it. You can come stay often when you have free time in the future." As she spoke, a faint smile curved the corners of her mouth.

Tang Song approached. An extremely sophisticated, rich fragrance mixed with amber and ebony, lingered around her.

His eyebrows raised slightly, feeling a bit strange inside.

As far as he knew, Ouyang Xianyue did not have the habit of wearing perfume;

her scent usually came from the natural agarwood fragrance infused in her clothes.

But today, she not only wore perfume but had also applied heavier makeup than usual.

Making her whole person look even more magnificent and captivating.

Tang Song paused for a moment and praised sincerely, "You look very beautiful today."

A hint of unnaturalness flickered across Ouyang Xianyue's face. She subconsciously brushed a strand of hair near her temple. "Thank you."

Then, she turned gracefully and personally opened the rear car door for him.

The car drove smoothly out of Jinli Villa and merged into the city's traffic flow.

Academician Ouyang's residence was located by Huanhua Creek in the western part of the city, within an extremely low-key cadres' sanatorium surrounded by tall plane trees and heavy walls.

As the car slowly approached, the surrounding atmosphere gradually became solemn.

On both sides of the road, armed police stood guard with ramrod-straight postures and sharp, vigilant eyes.

When this Audi A8L slowly drove in, Tang Song's heart involuntarily tightened with tension.

Just then, Ouyang Xianyue beside him slightly turned towards him.

Looking at the familiar tree-lined avenue outside the window, she said in a near-whisper tone, tinged with a hint of reminiscence, "This should be your second time coming here. The last time was nearly five years ago, early 2019. We were sitting in the same car then too."

Hearing her words, looking at her dignified and beautiful profile, and the seemingly familiar scenery outside the window,

Tang Song's heart suddenly beat violently.

Time seemed to stretch infinitely at this moment, frozen, still.

Immediately after, a pure white feather slowly drifted into his field of vision, emitting a faint golden soft light, incredibly beautiful.

"Whoosh~~"

A torrent of memories surged forth, overwhelming his thoughts.